Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/blog/free-online-cpd-course-language-development-with-certificate/

# Free Online CPD Course for International Schools: Language Development (With Certificate)

By Flavia Belham · Published 2026-02-16 · Updated 2026-03-02

Language is the foundation of learning.

From early reading and writing to subject-specific vocabulary in later years, strong language development underpins success across the entire curriculum — particularly in international schools, where many students are multilingual learners.

That’s why we’re excited to offer a free online CPD course: Language Development, written by Tom Hollins.

[Start the course!](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/2a5d304c-e8fd-47f6-abaa-16690c90f4d2?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=cpd_blog&utm_content=cpd_blog)

## Why Language Development Matters in International Schools

In international school settings, teachers often support:

- Students learning in an additional language (EAL, ESL)
- Diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds
- High academic expectations and inspection standards
- Content-heavy curricula delivered in English (IGCSE, IB, British curriculum and equivalents)

A strong understanding of how children develop language enables teachers to:

- Improve reading comprehension
- Strengthen vocabulary instruction
- Support writing development
- Close attainment gaps
- Build confident communicators

Language development is not just the responsibility of English teachers — it impacts every subject.

## About the Course

Written by experienced educator **Tom Hollins**, this course explores how children acquire and develop language — and how teachers can actively support that development in the classroom.

Throughout the course, you will:

- Understand the stages of language acquisition
   - Explore the link between language and cognitive development
   - Identify barriers to language growth
- Reflect on how classroom practice can better support multilingual learners
- Learn practical strategies to strengthen speaking, listening, reading and vocabularyThe course combines research-informed insights with practical classroom applications, making it highly relevant to both primary and lower secondary teachers.

## Flexible, Free and Certificate-Accredited

Our CPD courses are built for busy educators. Each course:

- Takes around 1 hour to complete
- Is fully online (learn anytime, anywhere)
- Is completely free
- Comes with a certificate of completion

Whether you’re looking to refresh your practice, develop new skills, or strengthen your CPD portfolio, you can complete these courses.

[Start the course!](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/2a5d304c-e8fd-47f6-abaa-16690c90f4d2?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=cpd_blog&utm_content=cpd_blog)

## Who Is This Course For?

- International school teachers
- Secondary and primary educators
- Heads of Department
- Heads of Year or pastoral leads
- Senior leadership team
- Early career teachers
- IGCSE teachers
- Teachers interested in cognitive science

This course is for you, if you’re searching for:

- Free language development CPD for teachers
- Online professional development for international schools
- EAL training for teachers
- Language acquisition course with certificate

Strong language skills unlock success across every subject.

## Perfect for international school contexts

International schools are diverse by nature. Teachers often work across cultures, languages, and educational systems, and professional development needs to be both high-quality and adaptable.

Seneca’s CPD courses help you build confidence in areas that matter most in international settings, supporting students effectively, strengthening teaching practice, and developing your professional toolkit.

## Get your free certificate

Once you complete a course, you’ll receive a certificate you can use for:

- CPD records and appraisals
- Professional portfolios
- School requirements and accreditation evidence
- Personal development goals

## Start your free CPD today

If you’re an international school teacher looking for quick, meaningful, and flexible CPD, Seneca’s free online courses are a great place to start.